Music

We remember the late lyricist Dorothy Fields in the first of an on-going series on American popular song. Born in 1905, She was the only woman in the pre-rock era to sustain major critical and popular acclaim as a songwriter. First, We feature singer Becky Kilgore and pianist Dave Frishberg perform music by Dorothy Fields.

biographer Deborah Grace Winer talks about Fields life and music. Winer is author of "On the Sunny Side of the Street: The Life and Lyrics of Dorothy Fields."

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers Arthur Alexander.

Music historian Craig Monson talks about 17th century nun Lucrezia Vizzana who was part of a little known group of women composers. Monson is author of the new book "Disembodied Voices: Music and Culture in an Early Modern Italian Convent." (University of California Press) He is a Professor of Music at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Soprano singer Deborah Roberts sings on the new CD "Lucrezia Vizzana: Musica Secreta." It features music composed by Vizzana and other 17th century nuns in Italy.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews T.L.C's newest CD "Fan Mail".

We remember jazz singer Joe Williams who died yesterday at the age of 80. Williams begin singing professionally at age 17, influenced by Erskine Tate, Jimmy Noone and Coleman Hawkins. In 1954, he became Count Basie's number one singer and was perhaps the principal reason the band was the dominate big band of the 50s and 60s. His hits include "Every Day (I Have the Blues)" and "All Right, Ok, You Win." He started performing as a soloist in 1961. (REBROADCAST from 6/20/89)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD by Built to Spill called "Keep it Like a Secret." (Warner Bros)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The West Coast Jazz Box"

Composer John Barry. He's best known for his 11 James Bond scores, including "Goldfinger," and "Thunderball." Barry has won five Oscars: for the song and score of "Born Free," and for scores for "Lion in Winter," "Out of Africa," and "Dances with Wolves." He has a new CD compilation of his work, "John Barry: The Hits & The Misses" (Play it Again label).

Soprano singer Julianne Baird. Her new CD is "Fanny Mendelssohn Lieder" (Newport Classic). She is an expert musicologist of 18th century European baroque music. But she also explores music of other periods, including contemporary works and 19th century popular tunes. She recently toured France, Poland, Austria, Germany and Holland in recital. Her discography includes more than 85 recordings. She is on the faculty of Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Pianist Andrew Rangell has emerged as one of America's best interpreters of the works of Beethoven and Bach. His newest CD is "Andrew Rangell: A Recital of Intimate Works" (Dorian) It includes six Beethoven works, a work of Bach and others.

Mystery writer Charlotte Carter. She made her debut last year with "Rhode Island Red" featuring heroine Nanette Hayes, a jazz saxophonist. Carter's second novel featuring Hayes is "Coq Au Vin" (Mysterious Press/Warner)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "By Your Side" the 5th new album by The Black Crowes.

Critic Milo Miles reviews the work of two contemporary klezmer bands, "Smash, Clap!" (Tzadik records) by Naftule's Dream, and "Roots & Culture" (Triple Crown records) by King Django.

Tuvan throat singer Ondar and producer Ralph Leighton. Tuvan throat singing is a biphonic sound in which the performer produces two or three distinct tones at the same time. It originates from Tuva. Leighton co-produced Ondar's debut CD, "Back Tuva Future" (Warner Bros/Reprise)

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews "Scars of Sweet Paradise" (Metropolitan Books), the new biography of Janis Joplin by historian Alice Echols.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Heart and Sack" the new release by the Pandelis Karayorgis Trio (Leo Lab label).

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Love Will Go All The Way" (MCG label) by Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's.